Phottix Odin TTL wireless radio trigger for Canon to ship September 20

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 | by Rob Galbraith

Phottix will begin shipping Odin, its 2.4GHz wireless TTL trigger system for Canon digital SLR cameras, on September 20. First introduced as the Helios at Photokina 2010, the system is comprised of a four-channel, three-group on-camera transmitter and a receiver module for Canon Speedlites.

Odin offers four operating channels and can wirelessly trigger and adjust up to three groups of remote Canon flashes. The transmitter's interface is very similar to the Nikon SU-800, as is the process of selecting a group and then changing its operating mode and output setting.

Operating modes include TTL with adjustable per-group flash exposure compensation, TTL with ratios and manual power level control. Each group can be turned off as well. Canon High Speed Sync is supported, as is rear curtain sync. Range is said to be 100 metres or more. The transmitter can also trigger flashes connected to Phottix Strato and Strato II Multi receivers, though without the benefit of remote output control.

An Odin set comprised of a transmitter/receiver pair has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$330; receivers have an MSRP of US$130. Ordering will commence on or before the September 20 release date, direct from Phottix in Hong Kong. Odin will also be available from Phottix dealers.

A version of Odin for Nikon is in development, but no release date has been set.

A video showing the Odin in action is here. Note that the video, by Dusseldorf-based shooter Michael Zelbel, is more of an infomercial than a review, but it does give a good overview of how the transmitter's controls work. Also note that the video features female models wearing not much at all at points, so pick your watching location with care.